Makati wants longer lockdown

For mass testing refusal

MANILA, Philippines — Makati Mayor Abby Binay yesterday threatened residents in areas under localized enhanced community quarantine that they would suffer longer lockdowns and would not receive food assistance if they refuse to undergo mass testing for COVID-19.

“A warning to those who refuse RT-PCR tests: 11 more days of mandatory lockdown without aid,” Binay tweeted as she appealed to residents to cooperate.

Several areas in Barangay Pio del Pilar were placed under a three-day granular lockdown after clustering of COVID-19 cases was reported.

Mass testing was mandated for residents and only those with negative results were allowed to go outside for work or to buy food and other essentials.

The city government has yet to rule if the lockdown would be prolonged as Makati hospitals have reached 84 percent capacity.

As of Tuesday, Makati logged 12,662 COVID-19 cases with 11,341 recoveries, 453 deaths and 868 active cases. Barangay Pio del Pilar have the most active cases with 134.